Why can't I delete website data in iOS 10.3?

Certain website data sites can not be removed. Even after a reset they still remain. This only happened after updating to 10.3.

iPad Air 2 WiFi, Cellular, iOS 10.3

Posted on Apr 2, 2017 4:48 AM

Top-ranking reply

HenryBlackW

Level 1

4 points

Posted on Oct 16, 2017 11:54 PM

I found a solution and I originally posted it at Cookies won't delete on iOS. I found this thread has a lot of reviews and I will repost here.

I tested on both ios 11.1 beta 3 on my iphone 8 and 11.0.3 on my ipad.

I have this problem since ios 10 on iphone 5s. After I bought an iphone 8 recently and used the backup from the iphone 5s to restore, the "persistent" cookies migrated to the new device. I also bought an iPad Pro and used the backup from the phone to set it up, the "persistent" cookies migrated to the ipad as well.

All the operations and software are under windows. What you need to do is:

Step 1: Use iTunes or a third party software to make a backup of your device.

Step 2: Use a third party software (I used iMazing because it is the one I found that can edit the backup. This is not supposed to be an advertisement.) to edit the backup. To do this you first need to select the backup you made and click the edit button. Then you need to remove all the files in the editable backup under "File System/Apps/AppDomain-com.apple.mobilesafari/Library/WebKit/WebsiteData/WebSQL/ ". You will be able to see all the cookies that you can not delete at this location. I this the absolute path in the actual file system is /var/mobile/Application/com.apple.mobilesafari/Library/WebKit/WebsiteData/WebSQ L/.

Step 3: Usw iTunes or a third party software to restore the backup.

Note: The backup should not be encrypted.

The solution is quite technical, and I hope apple devs can fix this problem soon.

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300 replies

Jul 14, 2017 8:46 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

ChrisJ4203 wrote:

Apple does not participate in these forums. This is a user to user support forum. If you wish to let Apple know your feelings, then you use the feedback link here, http://www.apple.com/feedback and click on the appropriate subject area.

Although it's more effective, it lacks the visceral satisfaction of a rant. 😉

Jul 15, 2017 8:59 AM in response to iroarmoar

iroarmoar wrote:

Because discussing each other's posts instead of the topic at hand - that of Apple's non-response to its customers as persistent cookies remain unleashed on iOS systems

Discussing Apple practice and policy is pointless and a waste of time. We understand the issue; continuing to point out the problem over and over and over and over will accomplish nothing toward resolving the issue. Filing a bug report or reporting it an https://apple.com/feedback might.

Jul 15, 2017 9:05 AM in response to Lawrence Finch

Lawrence Finch wrote:

iroarmoar wrote:

Because discussing each other's posts instead of the topic at hand - that of Apple's non-response to its customers as persistent cookies remain unleashed on iOS systems

Discussing Apple practice and policy is pointless and a waste of time. We understand the issue; continuing to point out the problem over and over and over and over will accomplish nothing toward resolving the issue. Filing a bug report or reporting it an https://apple.com/feedback might.

I have been both amused and bemused (I think that's my word of the day) by this poster. So, not entirely a waste of time.

Aug 15, 2017 10:15 PM in response to Gibraltar Bill

I had this issue in the past from time to time.

have you tryed that link?

Clear the history and cookies from Safari on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

Also, I dont have this issue anymore since10.3.3

Sep 5, 2017 5:04 PM in response to Community User

Did all the steps and still 2 sites will not clear.

timildl

Level 1

12 points

Sep 13, 2017 6:19 PM in response to Rev579

Guess what ? I downloaded IOS 11 BETA and the problem is STILL NOT fixed ... i guess apple just plain dont give a **** about this?

Sep 14, 2017 6:34 AM in response to pinksparkle164

pinksparkle164 wrote:

I and many other users, DO see this as a security threat.

Your seeing it as a security threat does not make it one. And it isn't.

timildl

Level 1

12 points

Sep 15, 2017 10:22 PM in response to Twibbles

IOS 11 has not even addressed this problem because apple dont see it as a problem

timildl

Level 1

12 points

Sep 19, 2017 4:57 PM in response to gooner007

Anyone have any luck with deleting website data cookies in IOS 11 ? The new update still didnt address the issue for my first generation ipad pro 12.9 ...

Sep 19, 2017 5:14 PM in response to timildl

I don't think Apple changed a thing.

GCSS-MC

Level 1

38 points

Sep 20, 2017 7:42 AM in response to Username Is Unavailable

That's unfortunate to learn, that Apple did not address this bug.

timildl

Level 1

12 points

Sep 22, 2017 6:18 PM in response to onlyoneking

Let me guess? You work for apple right? The problem HAS NOT been addressed at all with IOS 11...

LAD72

Level 1

13 points

Sep 22, 2017 6:42 PM in response to timildl

It’s been two days since my iOS 11 update and I’m still able to delete my web data. If it changes, I’ll post an update. So far, so good.

iPhone 6s

Sep 22, 2017 9:44 PM in response to onlyoneking

For me it didn’t fix the problem. iOS is very buggy for me as well.

timildl

Level 1

12 points

Sep 27, 2017 6:55 AM in response to User22983

Thank you for CONFIRMING that the issue HAS NOT been fixed ... i just got an update last nite to IOS 11.1 .. and guess what? The problem is STILL NOT fixed....

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Why can't I delete website data in iOS 10.3?